vexation

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noun vex·a·tion \ vek-ˈsā-shən \

Definition of vexation

1 :the quality or state of being vexed :irritation

2 :a cause of trouble :affliction

3 :the act of harassing or vexing :troubling

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Examples of vexation in a Sentence

the problems and vexations of everyday life
the repeated vexations guaranteed that she wouldn't get any work done

Recent Examples of vexation from the Web

China’s ambassador to the United Nations, Liu Jieyi, hinted at his country’s vexation with North Korea in his Security Council remarks after the vote.

— rick gladstone, New York Times, "U.N. Security Council Imposes Punishing New Sanctions on North Korea," 5 Aug. 2017
The exchange, in a Maryland murder case in which both families knew well the vexations of mental-health struggles, laid bare a shared pain.

— dan morse, Washington Post, "‘Do you remember?’ Daughter confronts mentally ill woman who killed her mom," 26 July 2017
Media observers have often repeated this quotation with vexation and alarm, but the events of Donnygate reveal a more insidious reality behind the statement.

— vanityfair.com, "How Donnygate Reveals the True Similarity Between Trump and Putin," 11 July 2017
Media observers have often repeated this quotation with vexation and alarm, but the events of Donnygate reveal a more insidious reality behind the statement.

— peter savodnik, The Hive, "How Donnygate Reveals the True Similarity Between Trump and Putin," 11 July 2017
The appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel in the Trump-Russia matter will spell vexation in the medium term and may spell danger in the long term.

— david frum, The Atlantic, "What Does the President Owe, and to Whom Does He Owe It?," 18 May 2017
Just a mention of public lands is enough to set Smith and his father, Wiley, off, venting about their years of vexation in dealing with the BLM and Forest Service.

— amanda paulson, The Christian Science Monitor, "The new range war," 7 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vexation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of vexation

15th century

vexation Synonyms

Synonyms

aggravation, bedevilment, botheration, bothering, bugging, disturbance, harassment, harrying, importunity, pestering, teasing, annoyance

Related Words

aggro [British], molestation, offense (or offence), persecution, provocation, torment, torture; devilment, devilry, mischief

Near Antonyms

delight, pleasure

VEXATION Defined for English Language Learners

vexation

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noun

Definition of vexation for English Language Learners

: the state of being worried or annoyed : irritation or annoyance
: something that worries or annoys you

VEXATION Defined for Kids

vexation

play

noun vex·a·tion \ vek-ˈsā-shən \

Definition of vexation for Students

1 :the quality or state of being annoyed by small irritations

2 :the act of bringing trouble, distress, or worry to

3 :a cause of trouble or worry

Learn More about vexation

See words that rhyme with vexation Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vexation Spanish Central: Translation of vexation Nglish: Translation of vexation for Spanish speakers

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vexation

Definition of vexation

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Examples of vexation in a Sentence

Recent Examples of vexation from the Web

First Known Use of vexation

vexation Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

VEXATION Defined for English Language Learners

vexation

Definition of vexation for English Language Learners

VEXATION Defined for Kids

vexation

Definition of vexation for Students

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